Archived News from May 2007
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SEVERAL STEWARDS SACKED
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Stags sack stewards and apologise
CHAD website, 03 May 2007 Mansfield Town today sacked several stewards and issued an apology in the row over the treatment of fans at the Stags' last home game. The stewards were blasted by hundreds of fans for heavy-handed treatment of young fans - and the row escalated yesterday when Nottinghamshire County Council then stepped in and effectively put the club's future in the Football League in jeopardy over stewarding and safety issues. But after an internal inquiry today over the scenes at the end of the 2-1 win over Barnet, the club said that some of the stewards would not be at the club next season. Chairman James Derry said today: "Mansfield Town Football Club are very sorry for any distress caused by the actions of a small minority of stewards "We have carried out an internal inquiry into the events and, whilst not wishing to prejudice the ongoing Police investigation, we can state that individuals involved will not be at the club next season. "We await an urgent meeting with the Nottinghamshire County Council representatives to further discuss issues raised by them." On advice from the club's Safety Advisory Group, the Stags yesterday learned their capacity had been slashed by half to 4,684. That is less than the 5,000 minimum capacity they need to be allowed to play in League football next season. The club were informed the decision was based on 'the poor standard of stewarding, weak safety management throughout all levels of the club and a lack of proactive approach to safety issues'. A county council spokeswoman confirmed that 'there were already existing safety concerns' but that 'Saturday's complaints over stewarding were a clear trigger for this decision'. The complaints included 'heavy-handed stewarding' when young fans who ran on the pitch to celebrate victory at the end were rugby-tackled and manhandled by stewards, with some complaints of assault. Manager Bill Dearden added: "I didn't know anything about this until someone told me at Notts County last night. "It needs sorting out as soon as possible. We can't afford to hang about as the League do not mess about." ----------- Club sacks heavy-handed stewards BBC.co.uk, 03 May 2007 Mansfield Town have sacked several stewards after a pitch invasion at the end of their final home game. Chairman James Derry has apologised for any distress caused by the actions of "a small minority of stewards". Hundreds of supporters flooded the pitch on Saturday and some were allegedly "manhandled", the club said. Mr Derry said the club had carried out an internal inquiry and "the individuals involved will not be at the club next season". Some supporters complained to the club about "heavy-handed stewarding" after they were allegedly manhandled after the Stags had beaten Barnet to safeguard their League Two status. The county council later said it had concerns about stewarding and spectators' safety and reduced the crowd capacity to 4,684 for next season. Mr Derry said the club was waiting to have an urgent meeting with county council officers to discuss issues they have raised. |
Latest | May 2007